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Archive for July, 2010

A small bathroom is a common problem, but is easily solved with the correct bathroom suite. The last thing you want is your bathroom to be as cramped as a store cupboard. After all, you spend a lot of time there don’t you?

A major problem in a small bathroom is storage space. Everybody needs some where to keep their belongings, but sometimes space is very limited. Try to utilise the space you have, not letting any area be unused. A great example of this is the area under your sink. Why not buy a Roya Rubi Sink which comes with storage underneath, then you will never struggle to find somewhere to put your shampoo. The great thing about this unit is that it is only 34cm in depth, meaning that not too much of your floor is used up.

Another amazing storage solution is using the space behind your mirror. A lovely example of this is the Chiltenhurst Single Mirrored Wall Cabinet. At 40cm wide and 62.5cm high it is big enough to hide items that you don’t want on display. With its contempory and sleek design it can transform any bathroom into a showroom. It comes with the colour choice of high gloss white or wenge, which highlights the mirror in the centre. Read the rest of this entry »

Buying a home is the largest investment most people will ever make, so it’s no surprise that such a big decision may seem daunting. There are, however, some simple guidelines that can help you find a home that you will be happy with for a very long time.

A recent study conducted by Merillat, a leading manufacturer of cabinetry, examined what consumers think about when they’re purchasing a home. The study found that the kitchen sways more minds than any other room, followed by the great room and the master bedroom third.

“The kitchen is the gathering place for special occasions, family functions and day-to-day activities, which is why it is so important for prospective buyers to ensure their new kitchen will meet the needs of their family from a design and functionality prospective,” said Paul Radoy, manager of design services for Merillat.

Try creating a checklist to help you decide whether a kitchen is right for you. Ask yourself these questions: Read the rest of this entry »

No wall space for a mural? How about accent tiles placed every foot or so of your favorite cooking herbs in an 1800’s style, right out of the Farmer’s Almanac? Or an easy-to-clean backsplash behind the kitchen sink of fruits connected by flowering vines all in a lively color scheme?

The best part about tile is you only have to do it once. You choose timeless and tireless motifs and place them where you need something durable. Side-by-side with gold, ceramic is the most durable substance we know. What else has told us the history of human culture as accurately? Nothing the manufacturers have come up with can surpass ceramic tile for lasting beauty. Nothing.

Working with an artist as opposed to a factory has many benefits. The artist has sentimental memories too, and usually does the work she does for other reasons than moving out volumes of product for profit, so she is more than happy to fill your space with warm homey decoration. We all have a favorite old pattern or print, maybe Grandma’s stitching or an old tapestry. Everything eventually wears out and must be discarded. Except ceramic. Have it painted on tile and installed for all time. Read the rest of this entry »

Listed buildings

Compiled by the Department of Culture, Media & Sport, with the help of English Heritage, the list of buildings of special architectural or historic interest includes castles, cathedrals, private houses, milestones and drinking fountains.

Grade I - these buildings are considered to be of exceptional interest
Grade II- - these are particularly important buildings of more than special interest
Grade II - these are buildings of special interest, warranting every effort to preserve them

There are 370,000 or so list entries currently protected by listing, and of those by far the majority - over 92% - are Grade II. Grade I and II- buildings may be eligible for English Heritage grants for urgent major repairs. Find out more at the English Heritage website.

Some churches are graded A, B and C, which is roughly comparable to the grades of non-secular buildings. Your local library will hold a copy of the list. A listing will identify the building or structure and some of its special features.

Listed building consent

If a building is on the list, any building work will require ‘listed building consent’, according to the Planning Act 1990. This is obtained through the local planning authority. Even minor works, such as painting or simple repair work in some circumstances, falls under the scope of this act. Read the rest of this entry »

If you’re planning to renovate or do some serious building work, ensure you’re on top of the requirements of building and planning regulations, advises property expert, Nigel Leck.

The regulations

Building control protects you and the general public by ensuring that buildings are safe and healthy places for people to be in. The regulations apply only in connection with a building; freestanding garden walls, fences, paths or drives aren’t covered.

This department is also responsible for checking that any building work is energy-efficient. Comprehensive regulations are laid down concerning materials and methods of construction, assessment of plans and mandatory site inspections confirm that the building work you undertake conforms to current requirements.

Planning and building

Major building work will always require a plan and the services of a building surveyor, building technician or architect, all of whom should be aware of the current regulations, the required inspections and how they apply to the work you’re undertaking. These regulations are updated annually and mean that any builder must conform to certain standards of construction and workmanship. Read the rest of this entry »